Jun. 12, 2023 at 1:55 pm

Professional Development Fund

Exciting news for those looking to enhance their skills and advance their careers in the dynamic world of screen and media! The Professional Development Fund, offered by Screen Scotland, is here to support your growth and development in the industry.

The Professional Development Fund is a remarkable opportunity designed to provide financial assistance to individuals working in the screen sector. Whether you’re a filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, or involved in any other aspect of screen production, this fund aims to empower you to take your skills and expertise to the next level.

Priority will be given to:

Developments in areas of skills shortages and
Applicants are under-represented in the screen industries.

Eligibility

Under-Represented Groups

Screen Scotland will prioritize applications from those who are underrepresented in our current funding programs. Current evidence indicates that these under-represented people are those who self-identify as disabled, those who come from Black and Minority Ethnic cultural backgrounds, and those who are women or have other gender-nonconforming identities. There have been several gender-focussed studies that indicate a particular under-representation of women in areas of Directing, Camera, Post-Production, and VFX.
Whilst Screen Scotland wishes to continue to support creative and developmental practice, we cannot accept avoidable or unmanaged risk to health and safety and our funding approach will be cautious in this regard. Applications should ensure that relevant Scottish Government guidance is being followed, and appropriate risk plans are in place and included with your application.

International travel

Applications to the Professional Development Fund can once again include travel, both UK and international, as long as Scottish Government advice is being followed (including any guidance on, or emanating from, the particular international locations you are planning to work in/ travel to) and appropriate risk management plans are in place and included with your application.
As regulations are changing frequently, please check the Scottish Government website at the time of applying and be aware this guidance may have altered by the time your application is being considered. The assessing officer and Director of Screen will have to take decisions based on the Scottish Government guidance current on that day.
Screen Scotland cannot be liable for any further costs incurred beyond those agreed in the grant award, including any costs incurred as a result of further COVID impact and/ or change in Scottish or other government regulations before or during the term of the project. If the funded activity becomes unviable as a result of changes to government guidance Screen Scotland reserves the right to recoup all or an element of the funding.
For the avoidance of doubt, Government guidance takes precedence over any statement by Screen Scotland.